MBS News

Monday
August 23, 2010

Industry headlines from Moira Benigson Executive Search

Retail

New Marks & Spencer Chairman To Get £500,000

Marks & Spencer’s new chairman, tipped to be HMV chair Robert Swannell, could be paid around 40% less than current chairman Sir Stuart Rose, according to reports.

Nearly Half Of Woolworths’ Stores Still Empty

Almost two years after Woolworths’ collapse, 40% of the variety group’s stores remain empty, according to reports.

Tesco To Open Drive-Thru Supermarket

Tesco will this week launch the UK’s first drive-thru supermarket in Hertfordshire. The trial at Tesco’s existing Baldock Extra store will help shoppers who want their groceries picked and packed but who don’t have the time to wait at home for delivery.

Consumer Goods

SABMiller And Asahi Eye Foster's Beer Unit

Drinks giants SABMiller and Asahi Breweries have reportedly expressed interest in Foster's Group's beer business, which is valued at more than $10bn.

Campbell Soup May Buy Biscuit Ops Of United Biscuits

The Campbell Soup Co, the world's largest soup maker, is considering a £1.5bn pound break up bid for the UK's United Biscuits.

Arla To Pump £150m Into Mega-Dairy

Scandinavian food company Arla, has announced that it will pump £150m into a new one billion litre mega-dairy.

Digital And Online

Adidas Goes Online In China

Adidas has launched an online store on China’s Taobao Mall platform, which will be the brand’s only online retail channel in the country. More than 200 products will be available.

Fashion, Lifestyle And Luxury

German Jeweller Sabo Enters Fragrance

German jeweller Thomas Sabo has entered the fragrance world, with the launch of Charm Rose. The scent will initially be available in Germany and Austria.

N Brown Launches Simply Be In America

N Brown has launched its first catalogue in the US as it continues to seek growth in international markets. One million catalogues will be delivered from this week in the lead up to Christmas.

Travel And Leisure

L'Occitane To Enter Indian Spa Market

L'Occitane plans to break into the Indian spa market in a tie-up with Devi Resorts. Initial plans are for three spas in Rajasthan, branded Devi Spa by L'Occitane.

Ritz-Carlton To Open World's Highest Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open the world's highest hotel early next year in Hong Kong.

On The Move

Asda Appoints Sam’s Club Vice President As Chief Merchandising Officer

Asda has appointed Charles Redfield, senior vice president for food and beverage at Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, as its chief merchandising officer. He will take up the position next month.

The Weatherman Says...

Being butler to the Queen must surely be easier than parenting young kids. The soundtrack to my life: don't like this one, can't hear the music, I need a wipe, more, yuck, where's my dum, another one, open the window, my turn. Its raining in Devon.